Manchester United are eyeing Bolton Wanderers defender Gary Cahill. The Manchester Evening News says United are looking at options to fill the big gap created by the loss of captain Nemanja Vidic who ruptured his knee ligament in Basel last week.

United are resigned to being without the influential Serbian defender for the rest of the season but are also steeling themselves for a potential 12-month absence as they await news on when the 31-year-old will undergo surgery.

Sir Alex Ferguson was not initially looking to add to a five-strong senior central defensive core but Vidic's injury woes could change his plans.

Cahill is emerging as a potential transfer window steal.

The 25-year-old Wanderers centre-half is out of contract at the Reebok in the summer and has been reluctant to sign a new deal.